Our research primarily focusses on the engineering of enzymes by directed evolution and hybrid/semi-rational design for a wide range of biotechnological purposes; the development of high-throughput biomolecular screening tools and genetic methods for library construction and exploration, as well as synthetic biology studies for environmental and energy applications. IP: Miguel Alcalde (maicalde@icp.csic.es). Website: www.miguelalcaldelab.eu

Study of the dynamics and molecular basis of biological adaptation through controlled experiments carried out at the laboratory with viruses and bacteria.

Lipid-protein interaction in different processes where a membrane remodelling is taking place. In particular, we are now concentrating our studies on the autophagosome generation /elongation and further fusion with the lysosomes . Our methodological approach is multidisciplinary with a combination of biophysical, cellular biology and nanotechnological techniques.

- Assessment and in-situ and ex-situ conservation of populations of Sahel-Saharan ungulates and their habitats - Trophic ecology, behaviour and sustainable management of native and exotic ungulates We analyze the ecological characteristics of the environment, social structures of animals and factors affecting reproductive success, population dynamics and associated adaptive processes, trophic interactions and health status of populations. We also evaluate the effect of captivity on animal stress and its consequences at the behavioral, physiological and well-being levels.

The group's activity focuses on the development of sustainable models of livestock production systems in less favored areas. The main aim is to generate knowledge and integrate the information needed to characterize socioeconomic and technical-productive farming and the development of alternatives production systems that are social, environmentally and economically sustainable.

Molecular mechanisms of gene expression regulation in response to chemical stress and of mitochondrial homeostasis.

The Stable Isotope Biogeocheistry group is a multidisciplinary group composed of geologists, chemists, biologists, environmentalists and archaeologists, which focuses on the study of the isotopic traceability of essentials elements in terrestrial biogeochemical cycles.Our research, allows assessing accurately the interaction between geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere over the Earth's history.

The Laboratory of Seafloor and Subseafloor Geological Processes (LS3GP) carries out multidisciplinary research embracing all contemporary physical processes that occur at or beneath the seafloor, including the anthropic influence on these processes, and those that occurred in the geological past. The LS3GP has ample experience in 1) marine field data acquisition, 2) laboratory and numerical methods and 3) data interpretation. A strong emphasis is brought on offshore geohazards and marine sedimentology.

Bacterial infections are a serious public health problem, which has been exacerbated by the emergence of pathogens that are resistant to most of the antibiotics used in hospitals. The prevention and treatment of infectious diseases are key objectives of all national and international action policies. Aligned with these health needs, it is required to understand the molecular bases of the infections to advance in the design, development and implementation of effective treatments.